What has God the King done for me?

Week 1 DAY 3 and 4

Today   

We will:

  1. LOOK at Esther 5:2-4.
  2. LEARN ‘how‘ to incorporate GODcha’s tools along the way.
  3. LISTEN to God speak to us as we focus on GODcha’s LEARN/LIVE question.

Open GODcha to the Book of Esther

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Or, use your hardbound Bibles and follow along.

You can print off this week’s posts and put in a notebook!

Let’s Begin With Prayer

And Continue With an Attitude of Prayer

Perhaps. . .

Oh Lord, we thank you for Your Holy Word, that is a sure Word of absolute Truth, preserved throughout the ages for us to grow in our knowledge of You and to be changed to be more like Christ. May we see You and how You work. Create in us fresh wonder about You as we become more and more aware of Your Sovereign hand that works behind the scenes. May we also look at those in this drama and then be willing to examine ourselves. Give us the understanding we need to be changed and live in the light of what You show us. Thank you.

If you get STUCK at any point in your discovery, stop, and pray!

GOD, your Creator, loves you and desires to reveal much to you.

We Need To Consider CONTEXT

CONTEXT is the setting that Rules Interpretation.

Context Tutorial >

What happened in Ch5:1? 

Esther was willing to risk everything, even her life.

She prepared herself spiritually.

And on the third day she prepared herself physically by putting on her royal robes as the Queen of Persia, and then bravely went into action.

Esther stood in the inner court where the king would be able to see her.

 

Let’s see what happens.

LOOK

At Verse 2 

READ Esther 5:1-4.

As you read, ask thewho, what, where, when, why and how questions.

This is a skill that just takes practice.

Help Reading Esther 5:1-4>

 

Remember to:

Reflect on the events that demonstrate God’s hidden hand.

 

Now, Focus on Verse 2.

Help Reading Esther 5:1-4>

Where is Esther?

What happened when the king saw Esther?

 

What is Key?

Esther obtained favor in the king’s sight is Key.

Do you remember we have seen Esther obtaining favor before?

You might review ‘favor‘ back in Est 2:9, 15, 17; 4:8.

Do you remember the meaning is similar to grace?

Check out the Cross References (aka CR) regarding favor.

1. What are we to do regarding favor?

Psa 119:57-60

LISTEN To the Spirit

Is my portion in the Lord or worldly stuff?

What proves He is my portion?

– Have I made a promise that I would keep His Word? Am I?

– Am I seeking God’s favor with all my heart, turned to His Word, and not delayed to keep His commands?

Respond, LIVE It Out!

 

2. Who gives favor? Who receives favor? Why?

Psa 5:12

Pro 8:32-35

Pro 3:1-5

Pro 11:27

LISTEN To the Spirit

Do I see the connection of righteousness, God’s Word of Truth, obedience, and favor?

If I have received God’s righteousness, how has He surrounded me with favor like a shield?

Who do I listen to? Do I listen to the LORD? Do I watch and wait to hear and heed His instruction?

Have I found the LORD, life, and favor? What does this look like in my life? 

Respond, LIVE It Out!

 

Do you remember we have seen the king extending the golden scepter back in Est 4:2?

Review the meaning and your discovery if you need to.

 

Now, Check out the Cross References (aka CR) about: Esther came near.
Consider and parallel Esther coming near to this king and how one can come near to God who is the King over all the earth.
1. Who can come near to God the King? Why?

Rom 5:1-2

 

2. What must be done to come near to God the King?

Jam 4:6-10

 

3. How are we to draw near to God the King? Why do we draw near?

Heb 4:15-16

 

THINK and REASON

Why was Esther coming near to the king?

LISTEN To the Spirit

Why do I draw near to God The King? 

Am I willing to lose my life, die to self and my interests for God’s purposes? 

Respond, LIVE It Out!

 

What Did You LEARN 

If you need help

Check Out GODcha’s #3 LEARN Question(s)

#3. What did the king do when he saw Esther? Do you see God’s hand working? (v2)

Sum It Up!

We LEARN:

When the king saw Esther standing in the court. . .

I can’t help but think that as he looked, he was wowed by her very presence, captivated by her elegance and beauty, dressed to fit the part.

When he saw her she obtained favor in his sight.

Do you remember Esther found favor back in Est 2:9, 15, 17?

Do you see God’s hidden hand working?

We Discover:

are to seek the LORD’s favor?

 

And the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand.

Whew! No chopping off with her head!

We saw the golden scepter back in Est 4:11.

THINK and REASON:

Won without a word.

Do you remember it is the LORD who moves the heart of the king, Pro 21:1?

 

So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. 

Perhaps a humble act showing her heartfelt gratitude that the king pardoned her (forgave her; the remission of legal consequences for coming without being summoned).

 

We Discover:

– We can come near to God if we have been pardoned and justified by faith, Rom 5:1-2.

 

– Because God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble, we can draw near to God by:

Humbling ourselves in the presence of the Lord by

Submitting to Him. How?

Resist the devil!

Understand: When a person shifts their loyalty, their allegiance, to God, submitting to Him, (placing themselves under His authority), they have automatically taken a stand against the devil, and he leaves! He has to flee.

 Cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. There is to be a mourning over our sin.

Then we can draw near to God and He will draw near to us, Jam 4:6-10.

 

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne for grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in time of need, Heb 4:15-16.

LISTEN to God Speak

And LIVE it out!

Check out the #3 LIVE Questions.

#3. What has God, The King, done for me?

a. What favor has God, The King, granted me? How has this changed me? What kind of confidence should this give me?

b. As God’s hand creates the circumstances in my life:

– How is He directing me for His will to be done, especially with those who seem to be ruling over me?

– How often do I take advantage of the privilege to draw near to my King’s throne to intercede for His people and the lost?

Respond to God. . .

LIVE it Out!

Now You Talk To Him>

Don’t skip this time that can be so precious. God loves us and wants us to talk to Him, and promises to hear. Jesus said, “come”…! We have such an awesome privilege because Jesus died for us. If we have bowed the knee and surrendered our lives to Jesus, we have access to God and can converse with God, the Creator of the universe, our loving Father!

 

Let’s LOOK

At Verses 3 and 4

READ  Esther 5:1-4 again.

Help Reading Esther 5:1-4>

What does the king ask?

The king asked Esther what was troubling her, and then offered her half the kingdom.

Scholars say: This was a common statement and no one would ever take the king up on it.

“This statement is a hyperbole or exaggeration and was not intended to be interpreted literally, but was a rhetorical statement meant to create a strong impression. In this case it meant that the king would be generous.” Precept Austin

 

What is Key?

Esther’s Response is key.

What lessons are here for us?

 

1. Esther said, “If it pleases the king. . .”

Do you see how respectful she is?

LISTEN To the Spirit

If a child toward parent;

a wife toward her husband;

an employee toward an employer;

a citizen toward government leaders;

church member toward elders:

How do I engage with those in authority over me?

Am I respectful?

Respond, LIVE It Out!

 

2. And then she continued with her request – “may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

a. Are you surprised?

Why didn’t Esther just blurt it all out?

THINK and REASON

What would have happened if she had?

A king’s attendant might have heard, and then told Haman, and then devious Haman would have tried to twist it all to his favor.

 

b. A banquet!

Why a banquet?

THINK and REASON

– Perhaps Esther is proceeding carefully with caution.

– We might consider that she hasn’t seen her husband for 33 days, and he probably had not been faithful to her. She might be trying to reconnect and build some trust.

– Haven’t we learned the king loves banquets? So now her move is to appeal to what the king likes.

LISTEN To the Spirit

If I am a wife:

Do I know what my husband likes? 

Do I wait for God’s timing to approach him about important matters?

If a husband, vice versa?

Chat With God!

c. For Haman!

Why invite the enemy?

THINK and REASON

– Esther has to keep an eye on Haman somehow.

– So is Esther being wise, shrewd as a serpent, but innocent, gentle as a dove, Mat 10:16?

“One of the explainers correctly here points to Ecclesiastes 8. You should read this chapter when you have some time. Let us look at Ecc 8:5 and 6: Whoever obeys his [the king’s] command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. Do you see those words? Notice then what follows in verse 6: for there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him.” Klaas Stam

 

LISTEN To the Spirit

Am I wise knowing the proper timing and procedure for the task God has called me to? 

Am I wise and cautious when dealing with the enemies of God and His people?

Do I know how to be shrewd like a serpent, but gentle as a dove?

Talk to God!

 

Check out the Cross References (aka CR) about: Esther said.
Oh God says much about what we say and how we say it. As we consider what Esther ‘said’, think about how these Truths apply to Esther, but then we need to examine ourselves.

Pro 10:19

LISTEN To the Spirit

Do I speak too much?

Do I know when to speak and when to remain silent?

Chat With God!

 

Jam 1:19

LISTEN To the Spirit

What must I do to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger?

Chat With God!

 

Pro 15:1 

LISTEN To the Spirit

Is my tendency to speak gently or harshly?

What happens when I speak harshly?

Chat With God!

 

Pro 17:27  

THINK about how Esther maintained her emotional composure. It wasn’t time to speak.

LISTEN To the Spirit

Do I have knowledge and understanding?

Am I able to restrain my words?

What must I do to have a cool spirit, to be emotionally composed?

Chat With God!

 

Pro 18:21  

LISTEN To the Spirit

Does my tongue speak death or life?

When have I had to eat the fruit of what my tongue spewed?

Chat With God!

 

Pro 21:23 

LISTEN To the Spirit

What must I do to guard my mouth and tongue? 

Chat With God!

 

Pro 25:28; 16:32

LISTEN To the Spirit

When and why have I lost it and not been self controlled?

What must I do to be slow to anger and self controlled? 

Chat With God!

 

Gal 5:22-23

LISTEN To the Spirit

Do I have the fruit of the Spirit?

Would others say I display love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? 

Chat With God!

 

What Did You LEARN 

If you need help

Check Out GODcha’s #4 LEARN Question(s)

#4. How did the king respond? What was Esther’s request of the king? What does she know the king loves and appeals to? (v3-4)

Bring It All Together!

We LEARN:

The king asked Esther what was troubling her, what her request was, and then offered her half the kingdom.

We Discover:

Offering her half the kingdom is a hyperbole, and no one would ever take the king up on this offer.

Consider: If we love God we are heirs to His kingdom, Jam 2:5.

 

We LEARN:

Esther said, “If it pleases the king. . .”

She approached the king humbly and with respect.

Esther’s request was to invite the king and Haman that day to a banquet she had prepared for him.

Esther was being wise, knowing the king loves banquets.

And she was being careful and cautious, waiting for the right moment to speak.

We Discover:

God has much to say about our words and what we speak.

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise, Pro 10:19.

Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, Jam 1:19.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger, Pro 15:1.

He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding, Pro 17:27.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit, Pro 18:21.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles, Pro 21:23.

Like a city that is broken into and without walls, is a man who has no control over his spirit, Pro 25:28.

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures who a city, Pro 16:32.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Gal 5:22-23.

 

Now as we ponder all that we have learned today. . .

LISTEN to God Speak

And LIVE It Out!

Engage With God > 

Check out the #4 LIVE Questions.

#4. What is troubling me? What are my requests of God, The King?

What must I do to be sensitive to:

a. God, His will, and what He loves, desires and demands?

b. Others, and what would appeal to them? How do I win their confidence?

Respond to God. . . LIVE it out!

Now We Don’t Just LISTEN,

But, We Speak to God!

Now You Talk To Him>

 

As we close this paragraph. . .

THINK and REASON

As Esther came out of her room after 3 days to save her people,

Our Lord came out of His grave after 3 days to save His people.

As Esther was dressed appropriately in her royal robes,

We who are justified are dressed appropriately in robes of righteousness.

As Esther courageously stood in the inner court,

We confidently stand in God’s grace in the inner court of His throne room of grace.

As Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter,

We draw near to God in submission, humbling ourselves before Him, to touch His scepter so to speak of grace and mercy.

 

Don’t you love what God is showing and teaching us?

We Are Done For the Day!

 Reflect on all God has said to you about being spiritually and physically prepared for the task He calls you to.

God wants you to  “consider what He is saying and let Him give you understanding in everything,” (2Ti 2:7).

 Meditate on all God is teaching you about being courageous and cautious as you implement your plan.

 

Chat with God about it!

Have that constant, conscience, communion with God all day today!

Remember:

NOTE Your Discovery!

You’ll be glad you did!

Video Tutorial>  Notes Tutorial >

Take the time to journal your discovery.

And if you can, jot some notes in your hardbound Bibles. You will be so glad you did.

Also enter the personal things God has touched you with.

 

Let’s Bow Before the Father

OH HEAVENLY FATHER, KING OVER ALL THE EARTH, we bow before You and thank you for this book of Esther. Thank you for all the practical Truths You are teaching us. Oh Father, help us to understand how opposed You are to the proud. And that You only give grace to the humble.

It takes humility to acknowledge our need for You.

It takes humility to believe and surrender to You, to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts, mourning over our sin.

It takes humility to finally be willing to resist the devil and his ways, and ultimately submit to You. 

Thank you Father God for the incredible privilege that we who have been pardoned and justified by faith can confidently come near to You, to Your throne room of grace to receive mercy and grace at any time because we are now no longer Your enemies, but now at peace with You, standing in Your grace, ecstatic in the hope of Your glory!

Thank you for clothing us with Your robe of righteousness, and we never ever have to fear coming to Your throne like Esther did to King Ahauserus’ throne.

Thank you Lord Jesus for dying for us and after 3 days You rose to save us. May we not take what You have done for us for granted. May we in turn display courage.

Courage to live and act as Your children.

Courage to give forth Truth to set people free.

May we use the positions and privileges that You have given us for You and Your kingdom purposes. And Father, like Esther, may we be wise and discerning, cautious, able to use restraint in difficult situations and to go forth with a plan for the task You call us to. May we take the time to understand others that You put in our midst. Give us the wisdom to know when to speak and how. Grant us the insight as to what would appeal to them so we may win their confidence. We ask these things in Your name Lord Jesus! Amen!

 

You did great! You are learning the Inductive Method of Study!

Do you see how much time you spend LOOKING?

It is so easy! And all at your fingertips!

Next: We’ll look at the next paragraph, Esther 5:5-8.

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